Automatic signaling mechanism.



No. 883,829. PATENTBD APR. 7, 15508.

J. REUTER.

AUTOMATIC SIGNALING MECHANISM. APPLICATION FILED AP3.15,1907.

SSHEETS- SHEET 1.

auucnfor huzooeo ,No. 883,829. PATENTED APR. 7, 1908.

REUTER.

AUTOMATIC SIGNALING MECHANISM.

APPLICATION FILED APR.15,1907.

3' SHEBTSSHBET -2.

GUM 410 1 J. REUTER.

AUTOMATIC SIGNALING MECHANISM.

I APPLICATION FILED APR-15,1907.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

(Jr-wanker,

1 Honk! \PATENTED APR. 7, 1908. 7'

JOSEF REUTER, OFROCHESTER, NEW YORK.

AUTOMATIC SIGNALING MECHANISM.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented April 7, ieos.

' 1 Application filed April 15, 1907. Serial No, 368,369.

To all 7071-0771 it may conirern:

Be it known that I, JosEF REUTER, a citizen of the German Em )ile, residing at Rochester, in the county 0 Monroe and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements .in,-Automatic Signaling Mechanism; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same. I

My invention relates to the construction of automatic signaling mechanism for the tele, graphic transmission of signals, such as are required for municipal systems, embracing police, fire-alarm, and the like signals of a distinct and varying character, and while the l apparatus as a whole will, or may, com rise a motor, a transmitting mechanism an afrecorder, the last two in circuit, the particular character of the motor andrecordcr, as such, form no part, of .the present invention, and may be of any well known or desired character. Furthermore, though some means of automatically transmitting the box or, station number from which the variable, signal is sent will or may be required, said number being unchangeable may be provided for by any of severa well known devices operated by a motor and intended to send a fixed signal.

The rimar object of the resent invention is the pro notion of a simp fe and efficient mechanism which may be automatically set' 5 to transmit any one of a plurality of definite signals, and to this end my invention embraces the combination of a plurality of toothed or serrated members, preferably segments, each provided with space'or guard tions interrupted at varying intervals, and a contact maker controlled by said toothed members, or segments, said toothed members -'=.5 and said contact member being relatively movable.

A secondary feature of my invention resides in the provision of means for automat ioally connecting and disconnecting the mo- =0 torwith the transmitting mechanism and re- I 111g lily invention.

sections, said members relatively adjustable, to produce a series of depressions or pro ec;

There are other features of invention, embracing particular combinations, and special features of elemental construction, all as will hereinafter more fully appear.

In the drawings chosen for thepurpose of illustrating my invention, the scope whereof is pointed out in the claims, Figure 1 is side elevation of a signaling mechanism embody- Fig. 2 is a similar view showing the reverse side from that shown in 1. Fig. 3 is a to 3 or plan view of the signaling mechanism shown in Figs. 1 and 2. Fig. 4 is an end view of the signaling mechanlsni looking in the direction of the arrow Fi 3, the serrated members or segments being in the closed or noinnal; positionl Fig. 5 is a view of the same end of the mechanism as shown in Fig. .4, portion of the frame broken away, and the serrated members expanded oradjust-ed to give the signal 4+2 7. Fig. 6 is a view of the reverse'end of the mechanism from that shown in Fig. 5, the motor frame and clockwork mechanism re moved, the serrated members being in'the same position as in Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is a view of those portions of the motor or clockwork mechanism which directly connect withfthe transmitting mechanism. Fig. 8 is a detached view of one of the serrated members or segments which carries a track or guide rail for the contact maken Fig. 9 is a detached view of the click frame, clicks and click wheels which control the toothed mem bers or segments, the segments orserrated membersbeing in cross section. Fig. 10 is a detached. view of the contact maker and its bracket,- Fig. 11 is a sectional view ofthe barrel attached to the pinion .of the insula tor block which latter carries the contact sprin s and the contact maker, showing the coils spring within the barrel by which-the parts first noted are returned to their normal positions when released from the motor. Figs. 12,13, and 14 are views r portions of keys showing difierent arrangements of the leaves or projectionsto effect diiferent arrangements or combinations of the serrated members or segments of the ap aratus for transmitting different signals.

detached view of th ston ior preventing the turning of the key in tne wrong direction.

Fig. 16 is a detail view of the end of the rails 8*, 8 and the contact springs 13, 13,show- -ing the connection of the contact springs with the rails, and the insulator 13 between the contact springs.

In Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4,5 and 6 the key; whereby the transmitting mechanism is adjusted or set for transmitting a signal, is shown as re maining in position in the a )paratus, but it is of course to be understoo that the key D is to be withdrawn after the mechanism has? been set and started thereby.

Like symbols refer to like parts wherever they occur.

I will now roceed to describe my invention more f'ul y so that others skilled in the art to which it appertains may apply the same.

In the drawings, A indicates the bed plate of the apparatus and B B the uprights or posts carrying the arbors a, b, c for the operative elements of the transmitting mechanism, and in the upright B is the key hole dfor the insertion of the key D wherewith the mechanism is set or adjusted and started.

, D indicates a sprin stop on the inner side of post B to prevent the turning of key D in the .wrong direction, but said stop will not interfere with the key.

1, 1, 1 and 1 indicate a series of racks journaled below on the arbor a, so as to turn on said arbor, and toothed above for engagement with a corresponding series of segments 2, 2}, 2*, 2, said racks being controlled by springs 3, 3 3", 3 which springs tend to draw the racks into the paths of the leaves or projections 11 on the key D, when not otherwise restrained by the clicks and click wheels as will hereinafter appean,

2, 2, 2*, 2 indicate a seriesof segments journaled so as to turn on the arbor b above and in line with the arbor a of the racks, which segments are toothed below to engage with and be operated by the racks 1 1 1 and l" and each of said segments except one (2) 'is serrated or has cut in its circumference a series of teeth 4, preferably to produce nine indentations, and has an uncut or raised portion 4 (or spacer) equal in extent to two or more of the teeth thus formed in the peripheryof said segment. The first of said serrated members, or segments 2 carries a circular rod or rail twhich formsa guide or track for one end of the contact maker in order that no contact may be made when the segments are in their normal or closed. position. The last segment, 2, is devoid of teeth or indentations, and may be termed a guard or cover member or segment, as its function is to, at times, cover some or all of the teeth of the other segments, to prevent the operation of the contact maker as will hereinafter appear. Attached to each of said segn'ients 2, 2, 2 2" and surrounding the arbor b are a series of click wheels 5, 5", 5*, 5" cut on the proper revolution of said same pitch as and corresponding tothe teeth or serrations 4 of the segments. Arranged in a suitable spring supported frame 6 which is journaled on the arbor c are a corresponding series of clicks 7, 7 7*, 7 one for each segment and its click -'wheel. Each of said clicks 7, 7 7 7 is in turn independently spring supported on the frame 6 as at 7 so as :to have sufhcient movement'independent of the frame to permit the required movement of the segment in the setting operation of the segments, though by reason of the mounting of the clicks in said click-frame 6, they can be operated in unison to simultaneously release all the segments to allow.them to return to their first or normal positions under the operation of the racks .1, 1 1 1 by springs 3, 3 3 3 These clicks and clickwheels have for their object to preserve the relative arrangement of theserrated members or segments when spread and resist the action of the rack springswhioh tend to restore the segments to their normal or closed position. frame 6, and into the path of the traveling insulator block 8 which carries the contact is at the proper time struck by said insulator block 8 to tilt the click frame 6 and release the serrated members or segments and allow them -to return to their normal position.

J ournaled on the arbor 6 next adjacent to the last segment 1 is an insulator block 8 preferably of hard rubber, which insulator is provided with a gear wheel 9 with which engages a small gear wheel 10 loose upon the driving shaft 1]. of the motor M and which is adapted to be coupled to said shaft by a spring controlled clutch 12. j

The insulator block 8, which is rotated by the motor M as before noted, is provided with two circular metal rails 8*, SF, with which rails are connected the contact springs 13, 13 having platinum contact points, said contact springs being insulated from each other as at 13*, and the rails 8, 8 in their travel maintaining contact with the insulated springs 14, 14 with which the respective terminals of the circuit are connected. The nsulator block 8 also carries adjacent to sai contact springs 13, 13 a bracket 15 on whi n is pivotally mounted a spring pressed love 16 having a tooth provided with a knife edge 16, said tooth being'of sufficient width to span all the segments 2, 2, 2", 2" so as to enable it to enter the indentations ,of said segments when this spring pressed lever .16, which constitutes the contact maker, traverses said segments. This contact maker 16 bears on the contact springs 13, 13 through the intermediacy of a small insulator block 16" carried by the lever 16 in line with knife edge 16.

Am suitable motor M may be utilized for Projecting laterally from the. click make and break lever 16, is 'an arm 6f which actuating the transmitting mechanism, but in the present instance an ordinary clock- Work mechanism has been selected and coupled with the transmitting mechanism through the intermediacy of spring controlled clutch 12, and gear. wheel 10, on the driving shaft 11 of the motor,

In order to wind the clockwork motor M,

and to start the same when the transmission mechanism is set or arranged for a definite signal, a short arbor 17 is provided which carries a tooth or projection 17 with which arbor 17 the end of keyD engages by means of a slot or socket, and which projection 17 the escapement wheel and this releases the clock work motor and sets the transmitting mechanism in operation. This lever 19 is pivoted to the plate 20 which plate is in turn pivoted on the driving shaft 11 of the motor M, and carries a pinion 20 which is provided with a stop 20*, said pinion 20 gearing with a pinion 11* on the driving shaft 11., and said stop 20 arranged to engage an arm 22 on the arbor 21 of the escapement wheel so that the movement of the clock k shall be arreste l and the motor stopped I each second revolution of the 1?) before referred to as pivl. a ct-ed to the plate 20 1:5 slot-ted as at 19 and held in proper relation to the arbor 17 and its lug or tooth 17 by a suitable screw or guide pin 11%", which passes through such slot and both trip lever 19 and plate 20 are controlled by a spring 20.

23 indicates shitting lever for the clutch 12, which lever is pivoted on the post or frame B and is operated by a trip lever 2:1

' also pivoted on the post or frame B to withdraw the clutch 12 when said lever 24 18 struck by the contact maker 16 at the end of its travel or the completion of the sending operation, at which time also, said contact maker being released from the control of the motor by the withdrawal of the clutch 12 is immediately returned to its normal or first position-by the operation of spring 9 in the barrel of the pinion 9.

in its return movement and near the close thereof the bracket which carries the con tact maker strikes the end ota third lever 25 also pivoted on the post or frame B which releases the clutch and allows it to again connect the motor ill with the transmission inechanism so that the apparatus will be again in condition for operation as soon as the serrated members have been set or adjusted and the motor wound and started by the insertion and revolution oi the key D.

In Figs. 12, 13 and 14 are shown the forms or shapes of the leaves d of several keys D, each key adapted. to set the transmitting mechanism for a separate and distinct signal, and it will be noted that the outline ofsaid leaf d controls the relative'position of the several racks 1, 1, 1 and 1", consequently as each of the segments or members :2, 2", 2 and 2 operated by said racks, except the final member or segment 2, has nine teeth or indentations and a raised covering s ace equal to two or more teeth, itis 'possib e to have a suitable key to set the transmission mechanism to signal any number or combination of two or three numbers up to 999. If a higher number or a greater combination of numbers is required all that is necessary is to increase the number of racks and segments and the width of the contact maker tooth 16.

The construction of the several devices and their combination being substantially such as hereinbefore pointed out, their operation will be as follows: The key D corresponding to a desired signal is inserted in the machine through the keyhole (1 until its end engages the arbor 17 which operates the arbor of the spring of the motorM. The key is then turned to the left hand until its leaf engages the racks 1, 1 1 1. The-continued turning of the key will simultaneously Wind the motor, through the medium of arher 17, its tooth 17* and pinion 18 on the arher of' the motor spring 8 and also shift the racks to such relative positions as the outline ofthe leaf d of the key used shall force them, which movement-(lithe racks being communicated to the segments or members 2, 2, 2", 2 spread the same so as to disclose an interrupted series ofindentations.

The number of indentations and the location of the interruptions-or spaces"will depend on theleaf of the key used, and will determine the signal set.

As illustrative of the operation of the key D in setting the segments for a signal, note Figs. 12, 13 and 14 of the drawings. if the end mar in of the leaf d of key D formed a straightine where it engages the racks 1, 1, 1 1, then. the osition of the segments 2, 2, 2 2 as a who e would be changed but not their relation to each other, if, however, the end margin of the leaf d of key D where it engages the racks is irregular then the relative position of the segments will be changed proportionately, or moved out of line, the movement of each rack and the segment operated thereby being more or less than its fellows according to the width' of the leaf at said point, and a proportionate number of serrations or teeth 4 ofthe respective segments will accordingly be successively exposed or uncovered to coact with tlie contact maker 16.

In the present illustration, in Fig. 4 ol the drawing, the serrated members 2, 2, 2 and 2 are shown in their normal or closed -posi tion prior to the movement of thekey, and in Figs. 5 and 6 with the segments or serrated members 2, 2 2 2 as spread by the key. In this instance, reading from right to left in Fig. 5 the transmission,vmeehanism is set for the number 427, the funcut ortion 4 of member 2 being opposite the htth and sixth indentations of member 2, and the uncut )ortion 4* of member 2 being opposite the third and fourth indentations of member 2, while the guard or cover member 2 stands opposite the eighth and ninth indentations of member 2; when therefore, the contact maker 16, 16 traverses the periphery of the several segments there will be first four contacts followed by a break or space of the len th of two or more teeth, then two contacts lollowed by a s ace, or break, and finally seven contacts, W iich will telegraph to headuarters 427. The continued movement of t 1e key to the left, after having wound the motor and set the segments or serrated members 2, 2 2 2, finally at the close of the revolution of arbor 17 brings the tooth 17 thereof in contact with lever 19 drawing the same down and rocking the plate 20 until the stop 20 on the pinion 20 releases the arm 22 on the arbor 21 of the escapemcnt wheel and starts the motor. The motor being connected with the transmitting mechanism through the clutch 12, gear wheel '10 and arborll, as before noted, will immediately set in motion theinsulator block 8, which carries the contact maker (lever 16, 16) and contact ."rings (13, 1,3) and said contact maker will traverse the peripheriesof the members 2, 2, 2 2, the knife edge 16 of the spring pressed lever 16 sinking into each indentation thereof which depression of lever 16 produces a corresponding depression of spring 13 bringing it in contact with 13 and thus completing or closing the open circuit through said springs, the circular metal circuit rails 8, 8", and the insulatc'dsprings 14, 14" with which the tern'linals of the circuit are connected, thus telegraphing the signal to headquarters. When the contact member (lever 16, 16) has completed its travel the insulator block 8 which carries the contact maker strikes the arm 15 of the click frame 6, and depresses the frame 6 so that the clicks 7, 7, 7, 7" are simultaneously withdrawn from the click-wheels 5, 5, 5", 5", which releases the serrated members or segments 2, 2, 2", 2", and permits the springs 3, 2%, 3", 25" to restore the said mombcrsorscgments to their normal posit ion, orto alincment, in which position (sce liig. 1) the cover segment or final segment 2 covers all the indentations of the o erative segments 2, 2 and. 2 and prevents the operation of the con tact maker during its reverse travel. The instant after the insulator block 8 has struck the arm 6 and withdrawn the clicks from the click-wheels, it strikes the trip lever 24 which in turn operates, the lever 23 and withdraws the clutch 12, this disconnects the motor, whereupon the spring 9 in the barrel of pinion 9 reverses the travel of the insulator block 8 and contact maker and causes them to resume their first or normal position as seen in F 1 and 4 of the drawings, At or near the end of the reverse travel of the insulator block 8 it strikes and operates the lever 25 which releases the clutch 12 and allows it again to couple the motor to the transmission mechanism, whereupon the machine is in condition for operatlon when a key is again inserted and turned.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In an automatic signaling mechanism, the combination of a plurality of relatively adjustable pivoted members, each provided with a plurality of notches adapted to actuate the same contact member, and a contact member, said adjustable members and contact member being relatively movable.

2. In an automatic signaling mechanism, the combination or a plurality of relatively adjustable pivoted members, each provided with a plurality of notches adapted to actuate the same contact member, a contact member, a motor adapted to create a rela tive movement of the ad ustable members and the contact member, and circuit terminals arranged to coact with the contact member.

3. In an automatic signaling mechanism, the combination of a plurality of relatively adjustable pivoted members each provided with a plurality of notches adapted to actuate the same contact member and having a smooth section or space, and a contact member, said adjustable members and the contact member being relatively movable.

4. In an automatic signaling mechanism, the combination of a plurality of relatively adj ustablc pivoted members, each provided with a plurality of notches adapted to actuate the same contact member, clicks or pawls for the respective adjustable members, and a contact member, said adjustable members and the contact member being relatively.

movable.

5. In an automatic signaling mechanism, the combination of a plurality of relatively adjustable members, part of which are provided with a plurality of notches ada ted to actuate a contact member, and one 0 which l'orms a guard or cover for the notched members, and a contact member, said adjustable ceases causing the contact member to traverse the adjustable segments.

8. In an automatic signaling mechanism, the combination of a plurality of relatively adjustable pivoted segments each provided with a plurality of notches adapted to actuate thesame contact member, a plurality of racks for actuating the segments, and a contact member, the adjustable segments and the}: contactmember being relatively movab e.

9. In an automatic signaling mechanism, the combination of a plurality of relatively adjustab le members each'provided with a plurality of notches adapted to actuate. a contact member, a contact member, said adjustable members and the contact member being relatively movable, and a yielding click-frame provided with clicks for controlling the adjustable members.

. 10. In an automatic signaling mechanism, the combination of a plurality of relatively adjustable members each provided with a plurality of notches adapted to actuate a contact member, a yielding click-frame provided with independently yielding clicks for co'ntrollingthe' adjustable members, and a contact member, said adjustable members and the contact member being relatively movable. i

11. In an automatic signaling mechanism, the' combination of a plurality oi -relatively adjustable members eachprovi'rled with a plurality of notches adapted to actuate a contact member, a yielding click-frame, ,inr dependently yielding clicks mounted on the click frame, and arranged to control the re-EQ spective adjustable members, a contact member, said contact member and the ad just able member being relatively movable, and a motor for actuating said contact member. 12. In an automatic signaling mechanism, the combination of a phiralityof relatively adjustablemembers, each of which is provided with a phirality of notches for actuating a contact member, a :contact member, said adjustable members and the contact mei'nber being relatively movable, a yielding click-frame provided with independently yielding clicks for controlling the adjustable members, a motor for actuating the contact member, a clutch mechanism for coupling the motor with the contactmember, and

means for tripping the yielding click-frame and shifting the clutch.

13. In-an automatic signaling mechanism,

the combination of a plurality of relatively adjustable members, each provided with a plurality of notches for actuating'a contact member, a contact member, said adjustable members and the contact member being relatively movable, a series ofindependently yielding clicks for controlling the adjustable members, means for simultaneously withdrawing the clicks and releasing the adjustable members, a motor, a clutch for causing the motor to impart a relative movement to the adjustable members and the contact member, means for moving the clutch out of andinto operative position, said means for simultaneously operating the clicks and the means for, moving the clutchbeing arranged to be successively! operated.

14. In an automatic signaling mechanism, the combination of a plurality of relatively adjustable members each provided with a plurality of notches adapted to actuate a contact member, a .con'tact member, said adjustable members and said contact member being relativelyjm'ovable, a motor, a clutch for causing the motor to impart a relative movement to said adjustable members and the contact member, means for starting the motor,;'sa id adjustable members and said means for star'ting the motor being -a relative movement to said segment and said insulator block.

16. In an autom tic signaling mechanism, the combindtion oi' a plurality of relatively adjustable segments, each provided with a plurality of notches adapted to actuate a contact member, a series of independently yielding clicks therefor, an insulator block having contact springs and a contact-maker the combination of a the combination of a plurality of relatively adjustable segments each provided with notches adapted to actuate a contact memher, an insulator block l-aving mounted thereon circuit rails, contact springs and contact maker, said adjustable segments and said insulator block being relatively movable, insulated terminal springs with which the circuit rails maintain contact, and means for causing a relative movement of the adjustable segments and the insulator block.

18. In an automatic signaling mechanism, the combination of a plurality of spring con-- trolled racks, a plurality of relatively ad justable segments each provided with a plurality of notches adapted to actuate a contact member said segments actuated by the racks, a yielding click-frame provided with independently yielding clicks which control the adjustable segments, an insulator block having circuit rails, contact s'prings and a contact-maker mounted thereon, said segments and said insulator block being relatively movable, amotor for imparting a relative movement to the adjustable segments and the insulator block, and terminals with which the circuit rails maintain contact.

[9. In an automatic signaling mechanism, the combination of a plurality of relatively adjustable segments, each having a plurality of notches adapted to actuate a contact member and also a smooth or unnotched space or section, a cover or guard segment, an insulator block having circuit rails, contact springs and a spring pressed contact lever mounted thereon, the several segments and the insulator block being relatively movable, a motor for imparting a relative movement to the segments and the insulator block, and a spring for reversing the movement when the motor is disconnected.

20. In an automatic signaling mechanism, plurality of relatively adjustable segments, each. provided with a plurality of notches adapted to actuate a contact member, an lnsulator block hav ing mounted thereon circuit-rails, eo'ntact' springs and a contact-maker, said adjustable segments and the insulator block being relatively movable, a yielding click-frame ,provided with independently yielding clicks, a motor for im arting a relative movement to the adjustab e segments and the insulator block, a clutch mechanism for connecting-the motor with the insulator-block, and a series of levers arranged to be operated by the insulator-block to withdraw the clicks and to put the clutch out of and into operative rela' tion with the insulator-block.

21. In an automatic signaling mechanism, the combination of a plurality of relatively adjustable pivoted members each provided with a plurality of projections and notcl-ies'of similar length and width adapted to raise and permit the lowering of the same contact member, and a single contact member sue cessively actuated by the teeth and notches of said first named relatively adjustable members. v

22. In an automatic signaling mechanism, the combination of a plurality of relatively adjustable pivoted members, part of which have a series of notches adapted to actuate a contact member and part of which have a smooth or unnotched projection or space, a single contact member which is operated by each of said adjustable members, and means for causing a relative movement of said adjustable members and the contact member. 23. In an automatic signaling mechanism, the combination of a plurality of relatively adjustable pivoted members each provided with aplurality f notches adapted to actuate the same contact member, and a contact member adapted to be successively operated by the notches of of said relatively adjustable members.

In testimony whereof I afii c my signature, in presence of two subscribing Witnesses JOSE REUTER.

i Vitna t' s'aoin'invn Tnrrrn,

F. dome WALnna. 

